Posts Tagged ‘donations’

A young lady and long-time friend of Trees for Life, by the name of Molly, had a birthday at the end of January. Here’s what her mother, Jenny, wrote to us,

“Regarding Molly’s alternative gift party… It was becoming apparent to Chris and I that our girls were motivated to have birthday parties just for the gifts. Wanting to quell that motivation and encourage new awareness, we suggested that on “even-yeared” birthdays, the girls could have a full-fledged party with gifts going to a non-profit of their choice, rather than receiving gifts for themselves.

Molly didn’t skip a beat in choosing Trees for Life as her non-profit of choice. Party invitations were extended to her friends with a specific request NOT to bring a present for Molly but to bring an amount of money (of any size) to be donated to TFL in honor of Molly’s birthday.

Guests showed up at the party with homemade cards with money creatively tucked into pockets or taped inside. Molly shared with the girls about Trees for Life and how the money might go to help other girls around the world go to school, have books, etc. After opening the cards, the girls enjoyed a brownie cake that had been decorated by Molly with the Trees for Life logo. Fun was had by all and a beaming Molly delivered $112.50 to Trees for Life the next day. The girls in attendance at the party were Molly (holding the cake), Clara, Lydia, Olivia, Leah and Eliana. “

The Trees for Life office is in a 1940’s era school building which was renovated 12 years ago through donations of materials and time. When something major needs to be done a magical thing happens: a person suddenly walks in the door to meet the need! Such is the case with a very dead pine tree needing to be removed. Due to pine beetles throughout vast areas of the USA, many pine trees have died, requiring removal, an expensive project!

Trees for Life building with dead pine tree

Trees for Life Board member Jason Vandecreek contacted an arborist friend who readily agreed to cut down and remove the tree! Many of the staff were out watching the process as two employees from Ernstmann Tree Care felled the tree in 97 degree heat one afternoon in July. We have learned to have faith that what we need will be provided. We give thanks to those volunteers with big hearts who are able to provide their time and talents to Trees for Life so we can continue to use the gifts we receive to serve those in need. See the process in the pictures below:

Man in tree removing tree limbs

Close up of tree limb removal

Mission accomplished

Employees of Ernstmann Tree Care receiving a thank you button from Trees for Life